Nanomaterials for sample preparation: An overview of recent innovative strategies

Abstract

Sample preparation is a critical step in any analytical method used for analyzing complex matrices. Among the available sorbent-based extraction techniques for sample treatment, solid-phase extraction (SPE), including several miniaturized modes such as micro-SPE (m-SPE), dispersive-SPE (DSPE) and magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE), and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) are the most used. In recent years, the evolution of these sorbent-based techniques has beenaccompanied by the development of novel extractive materials and green synthetic methodologies. Particularly, nanomaterials of diverse natures have attracted much attention as sorbents due to their excellent physical and chemical properties compared to conventional ones. Hence, the synergy between these novel extraction phases and the wide diversity of SPE procedures provides new alternatives for the development of sustainable and easily adaptable methodologies through thedownsizing of setups and the reduced consumption of solvents and reagents. This chapter provides an update on the advances in the use of nanomaterials as modern sorbents for sample preparation to meet the demand for the efficient extraction, preconcentration, and determination of target analytes present in food, biological, pharmaceuticals, and environmental samples.